Braves’ Jurickson Profar Returns from Suspension with a Bang

By Oliver Wiener July 04, 2025 07:27

After an 80-game suspension that sidelined him for more than three months, Jurickson Profar made a triumphant return to the Atlanta Braves lineup on July 2, 2025, delivering an immediate impact that energized both his team and fans. Facing the Los Angeles Angels at Truist Park, Profar went 2-for-4 with a towering solo home run in the seventh inning, helping the Braves secure an 8-3 victory and providing a much-needed boost to a struggling offense.

Profar’s suspension, announced on April 1, stemmed from a positive test for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a banned performance-enhancing substance that MLB classifies as a violation under its Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The 32-year-old outfielder expressed remorse for the situation, telling reporters, “I know I put [the team] in a very, very tough position. But again, I’m here and ready to go to the battle with them and give my everything that I got to help us get to the playoffs”.

The Braves designated veteran outfielder Alex Verdugo for assignment to clear a roster spot for Profar’s return, signaling the team’s confidence in the former All-Star’s ability to restore balance to their lineup. Profar, who signed a lucrative three-year, $42 million contract with Atlanta in January after a career-best season with the San Diego Padres, had played only four games before the suspension interrupted his debut with the Braves.

Profar’s 2024 season with the Padres was a career highlight: he appeared in 158 games, hitting .280 with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs, earning All-Star honors and a Silver Slugger Award. His offensive prowess was sorely missed in Atlanta, where the Braves’ left fielders ranked 29th in OPS (.554) and were last in home runs (2) this season before his return.

In his first game back, Profar’s presence was felt immediately. After a strikeout in his first at-bat, he was met with boos from some fans, a reaction he accepted with grace. “They have every right to do whatever they want,” he said. “I made a mistake, and I need to pay for it.” Yet his seventh-inning home run quickly shifted the crowd’s mood. “They cheered?” Profar chuckled afterward. “I was too focused. I didn’t notice”.

Manager Brian Snitker praised Profar’s return, emphasizing the value of having a switch-hitter with power and patience in the lineup. “It’s kind of nice to have that switch hitter in the middle of the lineup and feel good when he’s up there,” Snitker said. “He’s going to have a good at-bat and take some walks. That makes the lineup a little longer”.

Profar’s single in the sixth inning was equally critical, sparking a seven-run rally that broke the game open for the Braves. His ability to contribute both power and timely hitting is exactly what Atlanta needs as it fights to climb back into postseason contention. The Braves entered the game with a 39-46 record, trailing wild-card positions by 6.5 games, making Profar’s return a potential turning point for the team.

While Profar is ineligible for the 2025 postseason due to his suspension, his presence in the second half of the season offers hope for a team that has struggled to find consistent offensive production. His return also sends a message about resilience and accountability, qualities that will be essential for the Braves as they aim to reverse their fortunes.

Jurickson Profar’s return from suspension was marked by both redemption and impact. His home run and overall performance not only helped the Braves secure a vital win but also signaled that the talented outfielder is ready to put the past behind him and contribute meaningfully to Atlanta’s playoff push.